Happy New Year! I can't remember another year in which people were more excited to start fresh. There's energy in the air and we're eager to capture it. In 2015, we took a hard look at the Chamber and came to realize that after 100 years in existence we're still here to leverage the voice of business for community good. With our Community Vision in hand, 2016 holds exciting prospects for continued improvement in the business and living climate in Chico that will benefit our members and our economy tremendously.

At the top of our Vision we recognize the value of a safe community. To reach this goal, our first Community Safety Meeting of the year is next Thursday, January 14th, at noon at the PG&E offices located at 460 Rio Lindo. Hosted in partnership with Team Chico, this is an opportunity to meet the Chief of Police, hear about recent developments in the department, and find out how you and your business can be part of the community-oriented policing model sweeping through our city. Meetings like this one will be held monthly throughout 2016 and I hope you'll take a moment to sign up on Next Door and to download the newly released Chico PD app. It's time to get connected.

I'm also thrilled to welcome Toni Scott with Morrison & Company as Chair of our Board of Directors. As the first millennial to fill this critical leadership position at the Chamber, Toni brings a sharp eye to our list of priorities and will keep us heading in the right direction as we expand to meet the needs of all generations in Chico. And, to start the year off right, we're gearing up for our 78th Annual Dinner and Business & Community Awards Ceremony on January 21st in the Big Room at Sierra Nevada. I hope to celebrate our collective business and community accomplishments with you that evening. See you there!